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If there’s one thing the internet never runs out of, it’s adorable dogs. And thank goodness for that.

Because no one lifts your mood quite like they do, whether they’re being total angels or absolute menaces.

That’s exactly why we’ve gathered this collection of hilarious and heartwarming posts from DogsBeingBasic™ — to bring a little bit of that magic into your day.

But if your own pup’s behavior feels more frustrating than funny, stick around for our chat with trainers Ross Macnamara and Steven O’ Hagan, who explain what many owners get wrong, and how to fix it.

 
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    Truly a blessing that in this depressive world, we have a glimmer of sunshine in the form of dogs. After all, when can you ever really stay mad at them? Well, maybe sometimes, if they chew up your favorite sneakers, but even then, not for long.

    Unless you’re a dog owner who massively underestimated how much work goes into taking care of a pet and didn’t prepare properly. Then, understandably, you’d end up upset pretty often.

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    And it turns out, there are quite a few people like that out there. One study from Forbes Advisor found that nearly three in ten (29%) dog owners in the UK regret their decision to get a dog.

    Of those who regret it, nearly a third (32%) say they find caring for a dog too restrictive. Over a quarter (29%) mention the difficulty of going on holidays and having to arrange care. And nearly a quarter (24%) say they simply don’t want to walk their dog every day.

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    Many of these are basic aspects of dog ownership, not even counting the financial responsibility or the effort it takes to raise a well-behaved, safe companion.

    That includes proper training, which can sound like an intimidating task. So, Bored Panda got in touch with experts in the field to clear up some common myths and offer helpful advice.

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    According to dog trainer and behaviorist Ross Macnamara, training your dog doesn’t have to be long or difficult at all.

    “Dogs learn best in short bursts. So even something as simple as a couple of 5–10 minute training sessions each day can be the difference between a dog who constantly ignores you and a dog that is happy and motivated,” he explained.

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    #13

    Tweet about giant dogs getting excited and a 100-pound fluffy dog showing why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    Pernille
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just wait until you get taken down by an overexcited dachshund, happened to me not long ago, and I'm 1,82 m tall, and not skinny.:)

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    But if your dog struggles to follow commands, chances are you might only be practicing them in one place—and haven’t even realized it.

    “The most common misconception people have, in my opinion, is that dogs are able to generalize well,” dog trainer Steven O’ Hagan told Bored Panda.

    “Just because your dog clearly understands a ‘sit’ command in the kitchen does not mean that this automatically translates to another environment. An important part of training is helping our dogs generalize commands in a multitude of environments to allow them to truly understand the command,” he said.

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    You may also want to reconsider which commands you’re using in certain situations. It’s not always as straightforward as it seems.

    Macnamara notes that owners overuse the word “stay,” for example.

    “They will often use this to keep their dog in a certain position—like saying ‘sit’ or ‘lie down’ followed by ‘staaaay… staaaayyyy… staaaaayyyy.’ This can be a problem because if you forget to say it or get distracted, the dog might break the position early,” he explained.

    To avoid this, he simply gives the original command (like “sit”), then makes sure the dog understands they’re meant to stay there until they hear a release word (“break!”).

    “This means my dog knows to stay in the position until he hears the word ‘break!’ and I don’t have to repeat ‘stay! stay! stay!’” said Macnamara.

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    #18

    Golden retriever with a funny sign about sneaking a ride in a UPS truck, showcasing why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    UPS Driver: looks like I’ve got an extra stop to make. Dog: Best day EVER!

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    #19

    Dog lying with a stuffed animal and cuddling with a man, showing why dogs are man's best friends.

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    Tussilago
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dog got a whole day of pampering. Prob only works one time. My dog used to start limping when she saw I was heading for work.

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    And just because you have a little pup doesn’t mean they’re too young to train. Giving too much freedom too early in life is one of O’ Hagan’s biggest pet peeves.

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    “Freedom is earned through a clear understanding of rules and boundaries,” he said.

    “It is unlikely your puppy will be in the next room practicing their obedience commands while you cook dinner. It is very important at a young age that we are always monitoring our dogs so they are unable to practice bad behaviors that will eventually become ingrained habits that are hard to break.”

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    In this case, tools like a crate or a house line can help until your dog is ready for more freedom, once they understand the rules.

    #21

    Dog dressed as a mop sitting in a yellow bucket on wheels, showcasing funny and wholesome dog moments.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those curious, that dog breed is called a Puli! Their coat is supposed to look like that and they were traditionally/originally bred as herding/shepherd dogs and livestock guardian dogs.

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    #22

    Two dogs peeking under a wooden fence in a yard, showcasing why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    So yes, there’s a lot that goes into raising a well-behaved dog. But does that mean you can’t do it yourself?

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    Macnamara believes you can, especially if you’ve done your research on the breed and know how to keep your dog happy.

    “However, if they’re looking to get the best possible relationship with their dog, then they will always find value in seeking out an experienced trainer,” he added.

    “It’s always a good idea to reach out for help with a professional if you’re seeing behavior issues with your dog, but sometimes prevention is the best medicine. Working with a professional means they can show you exactly what your dog needs and how to give them the best life possible,” he said.

    #24

    Pitbull mix carries senior Chihuahua on walks, showcasing why dogs are man's best friends through funny and wholesome moments.

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't help feeling he needs another one on the other side to balance him up.

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    O’ Hagan agrees that consulting a professional is often the best route, but choosing the right one matters.

    “Make sure you select a trainer with proven results, or one who specializes in the area of behavior you’re struggling with,” he said.

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    “There is a lot of good information online. However, I often find there is also a lot of bad information that can easily lead to your problems becoming much worse.”

    #26

    Great Dane cuddling with a new puppy on a blanket indoors, showcasing why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The look on that little one's face though, lol. "Too much love, can you give me a little less love because I can't breath"

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    #27

    Dog standing in water among ducks, humorously blending in, highlighting why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    Passerby
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What do you mean pretending? That's clearly a duck. A big, yellow duck that can also bark because he is bilingual.

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    #29

    People standing in line to pick up foster dogs, showing why dogs are man’s best friends during emergencies.

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I pray that non of them return the dogs !!! I know I wouldn’t , I used to work in rescue here in uk , n taking work home with you took on a whole new meaning 😂

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    #32

    Chalkboard humor listing "Most Aggressive Dog Breeds" with a playful message about aggression and behavior in dogs.

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    Passerby
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fair enough. They are surprisingly aggressive in contrast to their size. They are pretty much big dogs in small bodies, but they are also loving and sweet to their family. My family's chihuahuas love cuddling and petting. They are also pretty smart.

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    #33

    Person walking with a small white dog on their back, showing why dogs are man’s best friends in a funny moment.

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    Passerby
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Technically it was the right direction if you wanted to follow the dog.

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    #34

    Cute dogs and cheetahs showing why dogs are man’s best friends with playful and supportive moments.

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    #36

    Four photos of a smiling fluffy dog named Baxter sitting and posing, showing why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    Giulia Fortunati
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Luky them! Whenever I try to take a picture of my dog, she starts licking her butt!

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    #39

    Fluffy white dog wearing a hat featured in news about a Minnesota town re-electing dog as mayor, showing why dogs are best friends.

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    Jrog
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously it's not the real mayor, the title is "ceremonial mayor". The whole thing has no political weight, it was born as a fundraiser for the community since voting for any candidate would cost one dollar per vote, and the vote was cast at the local dive bar. This one was their first "elected" dog, Duke. He died in 2019 and was replaced by another dog that won an election against two other dogs and a Youtuber...

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    #40

    Tweet about scientific studies showing dogs see humans as family, with images of dogs in a brain scan machine, highlighting dogs as man's best friends.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty cool too. They had to train the dogs to sit still for the MRI scan, because they will wiggle and startle at the sounds, so you can’t get a good image.

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    #41

    Screenshot of a tweet describing pets as weird little individuals in your house who become best friends, highlighting dogs as man's best friends.

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    sbj
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they're always in charge so don't bother thinking diffferently

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    #44

    Two dogs behind a wooden fence with a sign that says please boop the dogs, highlighting why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have custom patches for both Fenring and Stilgar's harnesses that say "PLEASE pet me, I am friendly" and "Yes, you CAN pet me!" XD I know many people respect working/service dogs and both my dogs wear "working dog" harnesses, but I always want to let people know that my dogs are both just attention-sponge divas and everyone has permission to pet them XD

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    #46

    Man building a custom dog house for his happy dog, showcasing why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    Agfox
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ♪♫ Kimba the White Lion is his name ♫♪ (I'm old!)

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    #47

    Funny dog post about a pug named Kevin waddling over, showing why dogs are man's best friends.

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    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The best one I heard was as my dogs and I were approaching a couple with their dog, their dog started to growl and the owner said "Now don't start that again, Geoffrey!".

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    #49

    Handwritten note describes a dog humorously as a circle because he is round, showing funny and wholesome dog love.

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    Dzessa Golden
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Took me a minute to realize “circle” was an instruction not an option 🤣

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    #50

    Golden retriever lying on a tiny dog bed, showing gratitude and cuteness in a wholesome dog moment.

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    #54

    Tweet about walking a dog and how not smiling at dogs shows why dogs are man’s best friends.

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    #56

    Two happy dogs at doggy school showing why dogs are man’s best friends with playful and joyful expressions.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Belgian Malinois has started day-boarding training school and his trainer says they haven't found the perfect "playtime" partner for him quite yet - Fenring isn't aggressive, just uncertain around the other dogs. I told them it's because his best friends at home are my cats, so he might actually be a little shy around other dogs XD (He did grow up with my other dog, but Stilgar is pretty disabled so he's not super "doglike" in some ways.)

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    #58

    More young women happily choosing dogs over motherhood, showing why dogs are man's best friends.

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    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one should be a parent unless you are absolutely excited over the prospect, that goes for humans or dogs. Too many women with kids should have chosen not to be mothers.

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    #59

    Tweet about a dog escaping and ringing the doorbell to get back inside, showcasing why dogs are man's best friends.

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    Cactuar Jon
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once had a dog when I was a kid, she got off her lead and legged it while we were taking her for a walk as she got spooked by another dog. Me and my mum spent over an hour looking for her, and when we got back home, we found her sat on the doorstep waiting for us lol

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    #60

    Tweet about husband filling dog's water dish with purified water, highlighting why dogs are man's best friends.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, both dogs and all the cats get their waterbowls filled from my Brita pitcher XD However, the dogs' waterbowls that are outside are filled with hose water, because I am Gen X and I feel that they ought to have the experience of drinking straight from the hose just like I did in my childhood. XD

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    #63

    Man working at a desk with a golden retriever puppy by his side, showing a funny and wholesome dog moment at work.

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    Lily Robertson
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's been 5 years since my 9lb weakling let me have more than the front third of the chair.

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    #66

    Dog hiding behind laundry machine trying to avoid a Roomba, showing why dogs are man's best friends in a funny moment.

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    #69

    A dog wearing a life jacket accidentally pulls a woman underwater during a lake day, showing funny and wholesome dog moments.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dog Stilgar LOVES the beach! XD (He actually does, even though he looks traumatized in this photo, lol.) beachdoge-...5cc21e.jpg beachdoge-682c5e45cc21e.jpg

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    #70

    Tweet about choosing to spend time with your dog for a nice evening, highlighting dogs as man’s best friends.

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    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always I’m always at home with my dogs ! Older n housebound now , it’s only once in a blue moon I go out ie doctors or hospital, so they are never alone x

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    #71

    Comic strip showing a dog being prioritized over women and children, highlighting why dogs are man's best friends.

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    #76

    Tweet from BarkBox humorously describing dog living as a tenant paying rent with a Halloween costume in October, highlighting dogs.

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You get unconditional love from your dog all year and as payment, you get to have her live with you

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